Palm Beach to Host USJA / USJF Grassroots Judo Nationals

The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is partnering with the Tomodachi Judo Club to host the United States Judo Association (USJA) / United States Judo Federation (USJF) Grassroots Judo Nationals, which is scheduled to take place on July 6-9, 2017 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.  The USJA Grassroots Judo Nationals is one of the larger national judo events taking place annually in the United States.  Over 600 male and female athletes will compete in a variety of age divisions (youth and adults), skill levels (white belt to black belt), and weight classes.  Athletes will travel from across the nation and the globe to participate.

The event features both a Shiai and Kata competition.  Shiai is a contest between two competitors to determine a winner of a match.  The Kata competition allows competitors to demonstrate their form and ability to conduct formal exercises comprising of a fixed sequence of basic self-defense and attacking techniques.  Competitors of all ages will compete.  Youth divisions include age groups that range from 5 years of age to 17 years of age.  Adult divisions range from 18 years of age to seniors.

The USJA / USJF Grassroots Judo Nationals invites competitors that are members of the United States Judo Association (USJA), the United States Judo Federation (USJF), and USA Judo.  These three entities are the leading organizations for promoting Judo and Judo hosting clinics and tournaments.  The USJA and USJF are affiliated with USA Judo, the national governing body for the sport.

The USJA / USJF Grassroots Judo Nationals has a storied history and previously occurred in locations throughout all parts on the United States.  The event most recently took place in Los Angeles during the summer of 2016, Indianapolis in 2015, and Hawaii in 2014.

The Palm Beach County Sports Commission and the Palm Beach County Convention Center have joined forces to host a variety of marquee sports events.  This past June, the Palm Beach County Convention Center was home to the Sunshine State Games.  This multisport competition featured eight (8) indoor sports, including Judo. The Palm Beach County Convention Center presents a spectacular setting for indoor sports events.  An architectural masterpiece with state-of-the-art amenities, the 350,000 square-foot center features a 100,000 square-foot exhibit hall, a 22,000 square-foot ballroom and 21,000 square feet of flexible breakout space meeting spaces.   

The USJA / USJF Grassroots Judo Nationals will create a significant tourism impact during Palm Beach County’s shoulder season.  The athletes and their families will produce a high volume of hotel room nights and considerable levels of visitor spending for the local community.  

“The Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s partnership with the Palm Beach County Convention Center has attracted some of the nation’s most prestigious sports events while significantly elevating sports tourism in The Palm Beaches, said George Linley, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. The USJA / USJF Grassroots Judo Nationals is a renowned event that will bring the judo universe to the Palm Beach County Convention Center.  This is another premier in-door sports event that demonstrates the Palm Beach County Convention Center’s capabilities as a dynamic venue for sports.”